Having spent over 15 years in automation recruitment, I’ve seen the landscape shift in some pretty remarkable ways.
Remember the days when snagging a good PLC programmer meant poaching someone from a factory down the street? Those days are long gone. Nowadays, hiring automation talent often calls for a global mindset.
Let’s start with what’s close to home. In the U.S., we’re spotting some unexpected hotspots for talent. Sure, Silicon Valley is still producing top-notch robotic engineers, but have you checked out Pittsburgh lately? With Carnegie Mellon pumping out leading graduates, it’s turning into a real powerhouse for automation. Last year, I placed several engineers there, and they’ve all been excelling.
Detroit, unsurprisingly, remains a major player in this space. The auto industry has had its ups and downs, but it’s left behind a solid legacy of automation expertise. In fact, last year, there were over 5,000 automation-related job postings in the Detroit area alone.
Now, let’s talk about how the talent pool is going global, and fast.
Germany has always been a leader in this arena—Siemens, anyone?—but now countries like India are stepping up. Bangalore, in particular, is becoming a hotbed for automation talent. Did you know that Indian institutes are now graduating over 20,000 students a year with automation-related degrees? That’s a massive talent pool to tap into!
Japan has been a robotics powerhouse for ages, but what’s intriguing is how their focus is shifting. It’s not just about industrial robots anymore; they’re at the forefront of collaborative robots, or cobots. I recently helped place a Japanese engineer with a U.S. food processing plant, and the innovations he’s introducing are absolutely mind-blowing.
Remote work has changed the game entirely.
Since 2020, I’ve noticed a 60% jump in companies offering remote positions for automation roles. This shift has opened up a world of possibilities. For instance, I collaborated with a manufacturer in Ohio who hired a talented automation architect based in Toronto. Five years ago, that kind of long-distance hire would’ve been nearly impossible.
And let’s not forget the rise of automation consultants and freelancers. Platforms like Upwork have seen a 35% increase in automation-related projects year over year. This approach is a fantastic way to access specialized skills for specific projects without the need for a full-time commitment.
Of course, we can’t talk about global talent without considering offshore opportunities. Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Romania, has become a popular choice for many of my clients. The talent there is top-notch, and the time zone differences work well for U.S. companies. And don’t overlook Vietnam—they’re producing some highly skilled engineers at competitive rates.
Here’s my advice: cast a wide net but do it strategically. Yes, the talent pool is global, but that doesn’t mean you should hire just anyone. Think about what you specifically need. If you want someone with deep experience in a particular industrial sector, Germany or Japan might be your best bet. Looking for fresh thinkers? Check out some of the emerging tech hubs in India or Eastern Europe.
And don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit. I once had a client hire an incredibly talented engineer from South Korea, but they faced challenges with communication and work styles. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
The bottom line? The best automation talent for your manufacturing needs could be anywhere in the world. It’s an exciting time, with more options than ever before. But it also means you need to be thoughtful about how you search and who you bring on board.
Are you struggling to find the right automation talent for your team? Let’s chat! Whether you’re looking to hire locally, explore global markets, or consider remote options, I’ve got strategies to help you find the perfect candidate. Sometimes, it’s just about knowing where to look.
